Do You Look Like A Couponer?

March 19, 2010

Do You Look Like A Couponer?

Do you often get stereotyped because you use coupons? Has anyone ever said, “You don’t look like someone that HAS to use coupons” or “You don’t look like someone who WOULD use coupons” or any other variation of that comment? I have, many times (probably more times than I would like to admit).

That got me thinking….hmmmm….why? What does a couponer look like? Why are people making those comments? Unfortunately, there are no studies out there to back up my theory and this is just food for thought, but maybe it’s because those people don’t understand the power behind coupons, they don’t understand that using coupons does not “classify” or “categorize” us in any one particular group or to look like any particular “type.”

You see, I don’t believe that person who uses coupons “looks” a certain way. A couponer’s “look” comes from within their mind. For some couponers, they have made up their mind to use coupons because times are hard, for others, it’s because they lost their job, and for some it’s simply just because they WANT TO! It’s a way of thinking in which annual household income and a person’s looks do not play a significant variable!

That’s me…. up there in that picture! You can say I “look” like a couponer or not… it doesn’t matter because “I AM a PROUD couponer!” Just because we use coupons does NOT mean we do not take pleasure in the things that make us happy, does it? It just means we are going to find a CHEAPER way of getting what we want by combining a sale or promotion and a coupon or rebate!

Some of us still have Dyson Vacuums and splurge, most of us still go out to eat dinner with our families, and some of us even….(GASP)….YES, some of us even carry COACH PURSES because we worked a very **Supercali FRUGALICOUScexpialidocious** deal to get it!

It’s you, it’s me, it’s a single mother of three….it’s all of us you see. That’s not a look, it’s not a type, it could be any of us alike!

I love your post, You are so right. Just because coupon does not mean we cannot have some nice things. I love my coach purses and now that I found a coach outlet 2 hours away and that i can save big money on them, I to will wait to buy more. Thanks for all you help in finding deals and teach us new couponers how to get better deals.

Awwww….I am so terribly sorry! I hate when employees act like that, like you are less of a person! Just know it’s because they don’t understand the whole coupon thing….I am always here if you need to talk. All I can say is keep your chin high and walk out of there with pride because YOU are a WISE person!

Hi Christy,
Just wanted to say great post! I had an unpleasant encounter at my local cvs the other day (cashier made several snide remarks about my use of coupons in Spanish to her colleague…assuming that just because I’m Asian, I won’t understand Spanish!) and was upset, but I remembered your post about the encounter you had, went back to read it, nodded in agreement to everything you had written, was encouraged, and wrote a polite but reprimanding email to cvs corporate. Thanks for sharing not only your deals but also your thoughts on couponers (I also like the phrase “breaking the mold” as well!).
Keep up the good work!

JENI!!! You made my day today! I can not tell you how much this story touched my heart! I actually get excited and want to jump up and down like a little kid over stuff like this! Would you mind if I shared your story with my readers? I think you worded it so well and I think it would inspire others

Ok, so with Red Box, yes…when you have used each promo code on each credit card, then you need a new promo code. I will look today to see if I can find any new ones for you Great question! Thanks for asking! I am so glad to have you as a reader!

You are too cute! I LOVE your site! You always keep us informed of great deals and tips. Thank you for sharing with us! I have a question regarding redbox. I understand that it is one code per debit or credit card. After we’ve used all of our cards, would that be it? Would we just have to wait for new promo codes? Thank you! I wish you continued success!

This is my third month of strict budgeting and couponing (and succeeding, thanks in part to your lovely cousin Heather!) and it is only now that I could even IMAGINE that in one month I could replace my windshield, pay my $2000 tax bill and still not put a dime on my credit card – in fact I will pay off my first credit card next month (in 3 payments, thank you!) How can I do this? By finding out what food should cost, and by using coupons to make that food and other household expenses even cheaper. No Coach purses for me, but I am still getting my hair done….(paying cash!) Thank you for your blog, and for your daily inspiration!

I LOVE reading all your comments! Some of you crack me up, some of you touch my heart, but ALL of you mean so much to me! I just wanted to let you know I value your words and reading them is the highlight of my day! Thank you for sharing your stories with me and visiting me here on Coupon Gal!

Ok you really dont look like i thought you look.. you dont look like a couponing type.. JUST KIDDING! hahaha.. Your right, there is no type! EVERYONES doin it! From hot little mommas like you to not so hot chubby lookin mommas like me! lol I love how much couponing has spread and how its “the cool thing to do” now! ( or at least I think!!) Keep up the great work!!!

You are absolutely gorgeous, and I love what you wrote. I use coupons for many reasons . . . it’s fun, it’s a challenge, and it helps me justify my other splurges! At first, I was a little unsure because I was afraid people would look down on me, but now I am proud to be a “couponer”! Of course, I have to give you a big thank you and a HUG because without your website, I would be lost most weeks. I refer to it when making my shopping list and gathering my coupons. THANKS SO MUCH!

Hi Christy! I just put you on my facebook page! You are adorable! I have only been couponing since the summer and I am having a blast! I have gotten sooo many friends in to it! We are shocked at what we USED to pay! I was a Realtor for 21 yrs and just quit a year ago due to some health issues! If not for couponing, my credit cards would probably be thru the roof right now! But they are not and all is well because of wonderful women like you! Thank you for all you do!!!

I love this post! I agree! I’m 25, single, no kids, but I’m coupon-obsessed because if I don’t have to spend a fortune on toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, food, etc. I can buy my Coach purses and not feel guilty! Only at the outlet though ; )

My favorite part is that people honestly have no clue how much money you can save until they see you at the cash register only paying $1.54 and saving $25 dollars. They make fun of you until that point in time! We have the last laugh in all of this. :]

You are so darn sassy..I love it! And smart..I think it’s crazy NOT to use coupons! Love your website. Keep on couponing!It’s websites like yours that have helped me become a better couponer. Thanks for all you do!

I have people here who I’ve tried to explain what I do with coupons and they tell me that coupons aren’t for “people like them” because they can afford to pay full price. Well la-de-da for you, I’ll pay with a coupon thank you.

Some have told me that they feel bad getting groceries for next to nothing. Some have told me they feel like they’re “ripping off” the store. I’ve actually had to show some people where it says on the coupon that the store will be reimbursed (sometimes even make money) for the value and they still won’t do it. I say fine, more coupons and deals for me!

That is a great picture! I have only been a couponer for about two months and I am amazed at our savings!
One lady at a checkout told me I was too young to be using coupons. I just smiled and told her I have big plans of what I am going to do with my family with the $ we are saving.
Also, at target the other day a few college girls were behind me in line. I had a sweet college age boy checking me out. I handed him the roughly 50 coupons I was going to use. They were amazed! We started talking as he whipped through the coupons. After seeing 123.00 be subtracted from my bill the girls wanted to know more. I gave them your website…

Amen Sister! I tell people to save on groceries so you can spend your money on the things you enjoy. Our cupboards are stocked with the same items as people that spends hundreds more than us; I would rather spend that money on a nice purse, trips, clothes, etc.

Amen sista! I agree with everything you said. I often wonder what people think of me as I go through my Qs at the store: Very pregnant lady, with her 2 1/2 little girl in tow… But I LOVE getting a good deal! And we now get the “good stuff” instead of the name brand knock off! So thank you for your blog